Sony has announced the new lineup of free games for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers for September, featuring a trio of good-but-not-great titles: Saints Row, Black Desert: Traveler Edition, and Generation Zero.
Unfortunately, what should've been another exciting monthly reveal for gamers has turned into a divisive topic, with a lot of subscribers expressing disappointment with Sony's recent string of reveals. This polarization is exacerbated by the fact that Sony is also set to hike the prices of its PlayStation Plus subscriptions next week.
Let's delve into the games first. Saints Row is Volition's reboot of the iconic series, introducing a fresh setting - Santo Ileso - and a new group of disenchanted career criminals taking over the city in grand chaotic fashion. While the game aims to retain the comedic series edge, it eschews the outrageous antics that some found overwhelming in its previous entries. Despite a lukewarm reception upon its initial release last year due to technical issues, Saints Row has seen many major patches that arguably improve gameplay, yet it remains a subject of debate on whether it lives up to its legacy.
Next, we have Black Desert: Traveler Edition, a fantasy MMORPG by Pearl Abyss known for its action-based combat and varied gameplay options like fishing and farming, and extensive character customization features. The Traveler Edition is a bundle, enhancing the free-to-play base game with numerous in-game items and perks. At the very least, it's a well-rounded - and now, free - experience for fans of MMORPGs, but its presence in the PS Plus lineup doesn't inspire much joy.
